Written by

Maria Puente, USA TODAY

The Academy Awards voting doesn't close until next week but one little actress nominee, 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis, could get a boost from an appearance at the White House this week with first lady Michelle Obama and others from the cast and crew of Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Mrs. Obama's office announced today that Wallis, nominated for best actress for her role as Hushpuppy in the magical-realism movie of the year, will be at the White House on Wednesday morning to participate in an interactive student workshop to mark Black History month.